Using neosporin on dogs

If your dog has a scrape, scratch, or other external wound that you'd like to treat, you may be wondering if a product like Neosporin would do the job. Since it works so well on humans, would it work on your pup?

What is neosporin? Can you use neosporin on dogs? Is neosporin safe for dogs? Potential risks of using neosporin on your dog. This ointment, armed with antimicrobial prowess, can help shield against infections.

Using neosporin on dogs

Whether your pup was roughhousing with another dog at the park, got stung by a bee, or stepped on something sharp, every dog owner dreads seeing their furry friend in pain. Dogs can get cuts, scrapes, and scratches just the way humans can — and if left untreated, they can quickly lead to infection and cause pain and additional medical complications. The second you see a scratch on your dog, your first instinct might be to reach for the Neosporin, or any other antibiotic ointment. This topical over-the-counter medication contains antibiotics like neomycin, polymyxin B, and bacitracin, and is commonly used to treat and prevent skin infections in humans. But is it safe to use on your dog? Before you treat your pup with any type of medicine, especially one that is meant for humans, we strongly advise consulting your veterinarian. According to veterinary experts , while bacitracin and polymyxin B are deemed safe for dogs, some have seen hearing loss occur in reaction to neomycin, particularly when given intravenously. This would defeat the purpose because the layer of ointment creates a physical barrier between the wound and bacteria, and could make your dog feel sick. Ultimately, since Neosporin was developed for humans, it might not be entirely responsible to use it on your dog unless you get the go-ahead from your vet. First and foremost, if there is heavy bleeding and the wound is deep, take your pup to the vet or emergency pet hospital right away.

So, applying Neosporin means your dog will likely lick off the medication and ingest it. It has no effect on infections caused by other foreign agents, such as a fungus or a virus.

Just like their owners, dogs are susceptible to minor injuries and are not immune to getting cuts, scrapes, or burns. But before you go ahead and start applying Neosporin, there are a few things to take into consideration. With abrasions scrapes and scratches , you should first clean and flush the wound with soap and water, then rinse thoroughly and pat dry. Your veterinarian should see all puncture or penetrating wounds, including dog bites, as soon as possible. Neosporin is comprised of three different antibiotics: bacitracin, neomycin, and polymyxin B.

Pet Keen is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more. Lauren Demos. Click to Skip Ahead. Like humans, dogs can be susceptible to minor injuries like cuts or scrapes. Can the same be done for your dog that has a minor injury?

Using neosporin on dogs

Hepper is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more. Athena Gaffud. An effective go-to when one has scraped or scratched themselves is Neosporin, and you likely have a tube in your medical box, but is it safe to use on dogs? The answer is not straightforward. Neosporin is formulated for humans and is not necessarily safe for dogs. Neosporin is a topical wound care product that is made up of three antibiotics: bacitracin zinc, polymyxin B sulfate, and neomycin sulfate.

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Spread Manuka honey on scrapes, cuts and puncture wounds. Calendula Calendula is a wonderful herb that can even help heal deep wounds. Sign up for exclusive deals, curated pet tips from veterinarians, and product launches! While using Neosporin for dogs aids minor wounds, be cautious. AKC actively advocates for responsible dog ownership and is dedicated to advancing dog sports. Your cart is currently empty. Dog Name Finder Browse our extensive library of dog names for inspiration. Yes, good old granulated table sugar! Any topical applied to a dog will encourage that dog to lick the area. Brooke Helton is a freelance health and wellness writer with a passion for holistic living.

If your pup likes to play a bit too rough, you might need to apply a little doggy first aid from time to time. When caring for your own cuts and scrapes, you might reach for Neosporin, aka triple antibiotic ointment. So, you might assume you can safely use it for your canine friend, too.

If you get a cut or scrape, it's normal to reach for a tube of Neosporin to help you heal. Garlic You already know garlic has many health benefits when you feed it to your dog. Just like the gut, the skin has a population of good and bad bacteria, viruses and fungi. Through her writing, she empowers pet parents with the medical information they need to make good health decisions for their pets. Arch Surg. Here's What a Vet Says. The three antibiotic ingredients in Neosporin are bacitracin zinc, neomycin sulfate, and polymyxin B. Shop Now. Learn More. If dogs ingest Neosporin, ingredients like neomycin in the formula can cause health issues.